EVENING. Business.

Consumer confidence high: Consumer confidence climbed to a...

January 28, 1997

Consumer confidence high: Consumer confidence climbed to a seven-year high in January, its third consecutive monthly increase and a unexpected sign of strength in the U.S. economy. The New York-based Conference Board said its Consumer Confidence Index rose 2.6 points to 116.8 in January, its highest level since October 1989, when it reached 117. Consumer confidence is watched closely for indications of consumer spending, which accounts for about two-thirds of the nation's economy.